Includes bibliographical references and index.

From prehistory to early writing -- Classical literacy -- Medieval letterforms and book formats -- Renaissance design : standardization and modularization in print -- Modern typography and the creation of the public sphere -- The graphic effects of industrial production -- Mass mediation -- Formations of the modern movement -- Innovation and persuasion -- The culture of consumption -- Public interest campaigns and information design -- Corporate identities and international style -- Pop and protest -- Postmodernism in design -- Digital design -- Graphic design and globalization.